Universal Pictures has just added its first new cast member for the highly-anticipatedFifty Shades of GreysequelFifty Shades Darker.Varietyreports thatKim Basingerhas signed on for the key role of Elena Lincoln, joiningDakota JohnsonandJamie Dornan.Productionis slated to begin this spring, with a report from November revealing that both this follow-up and the third adaptation,Fifty Shades Freed, will be shot back-to-back.
The Elena Lincoln character was mentioned in last year’s blockbusterFifty Shades of Grey, which sets up the reveal in this sequel. In theE.L. Jamesnovels, Elena Lincoln isChristian Grey’s (Jamie Dornan) business partner and former lover. While the studio does plan on shooting both sequels back to back, it isn’t quite clear when production will begin, but Universal has set a July 14, 2025 release date. It isn’t known what other characters have yet to be cast.
The report also reveals that originalFifty Shades of GreystarsLuke Grimes,Eloise MumfordandMax Martiniwill also reprise their roles alongsideDakota JohnsonandJamie Dornan.Luke Grimesplays Elliot Grey, Christian’s brother, withEloise Mumfordportraying Anastasia Steele’s (Eloise Mumford) college roommate Kate andMax Martiniplaying Christian Grey’s driver Taylor. Last year’sFifty Shades of Greyearned $166.1 million domestically and $404.8 million internationally for a worldwide tally of $571 million, from a $40 million budget.
James Foley(House of Cards) is directing from a script byE.L. James' husband,Niall Leonard.Michael De LucaandDana Brunettiwill return to produce along with authorE.L. James. The author recently released a new Fifty Shades book, told from Christian Grey’s point of view, but no movie adaptation is being planned yet.
Kim Basingerwon an Oscar for her supporting performance inL.A. Confidential. She most recently starred inGrudge Matchand last year’s The 11th Hour. She will next be seen inThe Nice Guys, alongside herL.A. Confidentialco-starRussell CroweandRyan Gosling, which hits theaters May 20. What do you think about this casting news forFifty Shades Darker?
